** Insert date here **
The Honorable Representative _______________________________
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Representative:
I am very concerned about the plight of Lori Berenson, a United States citizen who has been wrongfully imprisoned in Peru since November 30, 1995. Although she has had two trials, both have been under laws that the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the Inter-American Court said did not meet international juridical standards.
The Peruvian courts acquitted Ms. Berenson of participation in violent or militant acts and membership in a subversive group. Nonetheless, she was given a lengthy 20 year sentence.
Ms. Berenson is still suffering health effects from her early years of incarceration under extremely harsh conditions and her continued imprisonment makes improvement difficult. I have read that she has been a model prisoner and thus should be eligible for parole in November 2010.
I believe that given her record as a model prisoner, the many years she has already served in harsh Peruvian prisons, and her continued health problems make her a candidate for humanitarian considerations for an early release and I urge you to support any actions that will help this happen.
I would appreciate hearing from you on this matter.
Sincerely,
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Name: _________________________________
Address: _________________________________
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